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Few animal groups can claim the level of wonder that cephalopods instill in the minds of researchers and the general public. Much of cephalopod biology, however, remains unexplored: the largest invertebrate brain, difficult husbandry conditions, complex (meta-)genomes, among many other things, have hindered progress in addressing key questions. However, recent technological advancements in sequencing, imaging, and genetic manipulation have opened new avenues for exploring the biology of these extraordinary animals. The cephalopod molecular biology community is thus experiencing a large influx of researchers, emerging from different fields, accelerating the pace of research in this clade. In the first post-pandemic event at the Cephalopod International Advisory Council (CIAC) conference in April 2022, over 40 participants from all over the world met and discussed key challenges and perspectives for current cephalopod molecular biology and evolution. Our particular focus was on the fields of comparative and regulatory genomics, gene manipulation, single cell transcriptomics, metagenomics and microbial interactions. This article is a result of this joint effort, summarizing the latest insights from these emerging fields, their bottlenecks and potential solutions. The article highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the cephalopod -omics community and provides an emphasis on continuous consolidation of efforts and collaboration in this rapidly evolving field.

In representative species of all vertebrate classes, the oral ejection of upper digestive tract contents by vomiting or regurgitation is used to void food contaminated with toxins or containing indigestible material not voidable in the feces. Vomiting or regurgitation has been reported in a number of invertebrate marine species (Exaiptasia diaphana, Cancer productus, and Pleurobranchaea californica), prompting consideration of whether cephalopods have this capability. This “hypothesis and theory” paper reviews four lines of supporting evidence: (1) the mollusk P. californica sharing some digestive tract morphological and innervation similarities with Octopus vulgaris is able to vomit or regurgitate with the mechanisms well characterized, providing an example of motor program switching; (2) a rationale for vomiting or regurgitation in cephalopods based upon the potential requirement to void indigestible material, which may cause damage and ejection of toxin contaminated food; (3) anecdotal reports (including from the literature) of vomiting- or regurgitation-like behavior in several species of cephalopod (Sepia officinalis, Sepioteuthis sepioidea, O. vulgaris, and Enteroctopus dofleini); and (4) anatomical and physiological studies indicating that ejection of gastric/crop contents via the buccal cavity is a theoretical possibility by retroperistalsis in the upper digestive tract (esophagus, crop, and stomach). We have not identified any publications refuting our hypothesis, so a balanced review is not possible. Overall, the evidence presented is circumstantial, so experiments adapting current methodology (e.g., research community survey, in vitro studies of motility, and analysis of indigestible gut contents and feces) are described to obtain additional evidence to either support or refute our hypothesis. We recognize the possibility that further research may not support the hypothesis; therefore, we consider how cephalopods may protect themselves against ingestion of toxic food by external chemodetection prior to ingestion and digestive gland detoxification post-ingestion. Reviewing the evidence for the hypothesis has identified a number of gaps in knowledge of the anatomy (e.g., the presence of sphincters) and physiology (e.g., the fate of indigestible food residues, pH of digestive secretions, sensory innervation, and digestive gland detoxification mechanisms) of the digestive tract as well as a paucity of recent studies on the role of epithelial chemoreceptors in prey identification and food intake

Cephalopods are marine predators with most species actively hunting for their preys, while other are scavengers. Understanding the physiological adaptations of these fascinating and complex molluscs poses important challenges for several disciplines. Very little research has been done on the digestive tract of cephalopod molluscs during the last 30 years, in contrast to many other areas of cephalopod biology. Understanding its normal functioning has wide ranging implications for fisheries, aquaculture, and for the care and welfare of cephalopods in the laboratory and in public displays. Most of the available knowledge on the cephalopod “gut” and physiology of digestion is based on assumptions by analogy with the vertebrate digestive system. Nevertheless, the normal functioning of the digestive tract relates to important physiological aspects such as appetitive drive, signaling satiety, storage and coordinated oro-anal movement of ingested food and digesta, extra- and intra-cellular digestion, epithelial and intra-cellular transport, metabolism and incorporation of nutrients in the tissues. Each of these phenomena is essential for normal development and growth as well as for the maintenance of health and wellbeing. Alterations in digestive tract functionality are also a sensitive indicator of gastrointestinal and systemic infections, disease and external stressors in the broadest sense. Recent renewed interest in these animals is due to the challenges posed by the Directive 2010/63/EU that includes all 700 species (at all life stages) as the sole representatives among invertebrates in the list of species whose use in scientific research is regulated.

The collection of papers included in this Research Topic represents the outcome of some of the activities of the COST Action FA1301, CephsInAction. It emerged from a series of presentations delivered during a workshop in Cascais (Portugal; November 24th, 2015), and from the research activities carried out during Short Term Scientific Missions supported through the COST Action FA1301. The overall aim is to fill some lacunae in knowledge of the digestive tract of cephalopod molluscs. In contrast to other areas of cephalopod biology such as the central nervous system and behavior (e.g., Marini et al., 2017; Nakajima et al.; O’Brien et al.; Shigeno et al.) and the visual system (see Hanke and Osorio), relatively little research has been done on this topic during the last 30 years. Cephalopods are active marine predators counting more than 800 species. Understanding the physiological adaptations of these fascinating and complex molluscs poses important challenges for several disciplines. Knowledge of the normal functioning (i.e., appetitive drive, signaling satiety, storage and coordinated oro-anal movement of ingested food and digesta, extra- and intra-cellular digestion, epithelial and intra-cellular transport, metabolism, and incorporation of nutrients in the tissues) of the digestive system has wide ranging implications for fisheries, aquaculture, and for the care and welfare of cephalopods in the laboratory and in public displays. Alterations in digestive tract functionality are also a sensitive indicator of gastrointestinal and systemic infections, disease, and external stressors in the broadest sense. Most of the available knowledge on the cephalopod “gut” and physiology of digestion is based on assumptions by analogy with the vertebrate digestive system., Sí

Normal development, growth and the maintenance of health and well-being are only possible if all the digestive tract functions (e.g., motility, digestion, and absorption) operate normally and in concert. Understanding the physiological processes and the impact of external factors (e.g., handling, temperature, diet quality including exposure to food toxins, exposure to viral/bacterial infections and parasites) is important for normal laboratory maintenance of the animal in a research setting, as well as for optimizing conditions for aquaculture at each life stage. The study of the physiology of the cephalopod digestive apparatus has mainly focused on Sepia officinalis (Bidder, 1966; Boucaud-Camou and Boucher-Rodoni, 1983; Mangold and Bidder, 1989; Quintela and Andrade, 2002a,b; Sykes et al., 2013; Costa et al., 2014), Octopus vulgaris (Boucher-Rodoni and Mangold, 1977; Boucaud-Camou and Boucher-Rodoni, 1983; Andrews and Tansey, 1983b; Mangold and Bidder, 1989), Octopus maya (Martínez et al., 2011a,b, 2012; Rosas et al., 2013; Linares et al., 2015; Pech-Puch et al., 2016). Few studies have been carried out in Loligo vulgaris and other squid (Bidder, 1950; Mangold and Bidder, 1989). Furthermore, the morphology, motility and absorptive functions of the digestive tract of Nautilus pompilius have been the subject of limited investigation (Westermann and Schipp, 1998a,b, 1999; Ruth et al., 1999; Westermann et al., 2000, 2002). The inclusion of all “live cephalopods,” taken to mean all living species (about 700), at all life stages after hatching, in Directive 2010/63/EU (European Parliament and Council of the European Union, 2010) covering the use of animals in scientific research and education poses a number of challenges for research (Smith et al., 2013; Fiorito et al., 2015) including that aimed at optimizing practices in aquaculture (Sykes et al., 2012; Smith et al., 2013; Fiorito et al., 2015). Whilst the Directive regulates studies in the Member States of the European Union, the principles it enshrines and the approaches to care and welfare required for compliance are likely to impact on cephalopod research outside the European Union (see Fiorito et al., 2014, for discussion of wider implications). In comparison to the commonly studied vertebrate laboratory species and commercially exploited vertebrates such as salmon and trout, chickens, cows, and pigs (Stevens, 1988; Grosell et al., 2010; Rønnestad et al., 2013), knowledge of the physiology of the cephalopod digestive tract at all life stages is limited. Cephalopods are also kept for education and display purposes and, as in the laboratory and aquaculture, the normal functioning of the digestive tract is essential for good health and wellbeing (Fiorito et al., 2015). In this review, we will highlight a number of specific aspects of the relationship between feeding behavior and the physiology of the cephalopod digestive tract where increased understanding is required to ensure animal welfare. We will also discuss areas where further study is required., SI

This series will include all those people who, by means of their contributions, great and small, played a part in the consolidation of ichthyology in Argentina.The general plan of this work consists of individual factsheets containing a list of works by each author, along with reference bibliography and, whenever possible, personal pictures and additional material.The datasheets will be published primarily in chronological order, although this is subject to change by the availability of materials for successive editions.This work represents another approach for the recovery and revalorization of those who set the foundations of Argentine ichthyology while in diverse historical circumstances.I expect this to be the beginning of a major work that achieves the description of such a significant part of the history of natural sciences in Argentina. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, UNLP ProBiota: Programa para el estudio y uso sustentable de la biota austral Debe citarse: LÓPEZ, H. L.; NORBERTO O. OLDANI, DARÍO C. COLAUTTI & J. PONTE GÓMEZ. 2014. Ictiólogos de la Argentina: Claudio Rafael Mariano Baigún. ProBiota, FCNyM, UNLP, La Plata, Argentina, Serie Técnica y Didáctica 14(52): 1 67. ISSN 1515 9329.

This series will include all those people who, by means of their contributions, great and small, played a part in the consolidation of ichthyology in Argentina.The general plan of this work consists of individual factsheets containing a list of works by each author, along with reference bibliography and, whenever possible,personal pictures and additional material.The datasheets will be published primarily in chronological order, although this is subject to change by the availability of materials for successive editions.This work represents another approach for the recovery and revalorization of those who set the foundations of Argentine ichthyology while in diverse historical circumstances.I expect this to be the beginning of a major work that achieves the description of such a significant part of the history of natural sciences in Argentina. ProBiota: Programa para el estudio y uso sustentable de la biota austral

This series will include all those people who, by means of their contributions, great and small, played a part in the consolidation of ichthyology in Argentina.The general plan of this work consists of individual factsheets containing a list of works by each author, along with reference bibliography and, whenever possible,personal pictures and additional material.The datasheets will be published primarily in chronological order, although this is subject to change by the availability of materials for successive editions.This work represents another approach for the recovery and revalorization of those who set the foundations of Argentine ichthyology while in diverse historical circumstances.I expect this to be the beginning of a major work that achieves the description of such a significant part of the history of natural sciences in Argentina.

This series will include all those people who, by means of their contributions, great and small, played a part in the consolidation of ichthyology in Argentina.The general plan of this work consists of individual factsheets containing a list of works by each author, along with reference bibliography and, whenever possible, personal pictures and additional material.The datasheets will be published primarily in chronological order, although this is subject to change by the availability of materials for successive editions.This work represents another approach for the recovery and revalorization of those who set the foundations of Argentine ichthyology while in diverse historical circumstances.I expect this to be the beginning of a major work that achieves the description of such a significant part of the history of natural sciences in Argentina.

This series will include all those people who, by means of their contributions, great and small, played a part in the consolidation of ichthyology in Argentina.The general plan of this work consists of individual factsheets containing a list of works by each author, along with reference bibliography and, whenever possible,personal pictures and additional material.The datasheets will be published primarily in chronological order, although this is subject to change by the availability of materials for successive editions.This work represents another approach for the recovery and revalorization of those who set the foundations of Argentine ichthyology while in diverse historical circumstances.I expect this to be the beginning of a major work that achieves the description of such a significant part of the history of natural sciences in Argentina.

This series will include all those people who, by means of their contributions, great and small, played a part in the consolidation of ichthyology in Argentina.The general plan of this work consists of individual factsheets containing a list of works by each author, along with reference bibliography and, whenever possible,personal pictures and additional material.The datasheets will be published primarily in chronological order, although this is subject to change by the availability of materials for successive editions.This work represents another approach for the recovery and revalorization of those who set the foundations of Argentine ichthyology while in diverse historical circumstances.I expect this to be the beginning of a major work that achieves the description of such a significant part of the history of natural sciences in Argentina.

This series will include all those people who, by means of their contributions, great and small, played a part in the consolidation of ichthyology in Argentina.The general plan of this work consists of individual factsheets containing a list of works by each author, along with reference bibliography and, whenever possible, personal pictures and additional material.The datasheets will be published primarily in chronological order, although this is subject to change by the availability of materials for successive editions.This work represents another approach for the recovery and revalorization of those who set the foundations of Argentine ichthyology while in diverse historical circumstances.I expect this to be the beginning of a major work that achieves the description of such a significant part of the history of natural sciences in Argentina.

A mania disfórica é um estado que ocorre mais frequentemente em mulheres e é caracterizada por enorme irritabilidade. O tratamento de primeira linha da mania aguda é feito com lítio; já nos quadros de mania atípica ou refractária, está indicada a clozapina. A resposta à terapêutica farmacológica varia mediante certas particularidades do paciente, nomeadamente se se trata de um metabolizador rápido ou lento. Na ausência de resposta à medicação, está indicado o uso de electroconvulsoterapia. É descrito um caso de uma mulher de 30 anos, com mania refractária ao tratamento farmacológico convencional e electroconvulsoterapia. A remissão foi conseguida mediante a administração de 1400 mg de clozapina diários.

It is only in recent decades that subjective experience - or consciousness - has become a legitimate object of scientific inquiry. As such, it represents perhaps the greatest challenge facing neuroscience today. Subsumed within this challenge is the study of subjective experience in non-human animals: a particularly difficult endeavor that becomes even more so, as one crosses the great evolutionary divide between vertebrate and invertebrate phyla. Here, we explore the possibility of consciousness in one group of invertebrates: cephalopod molluscs. We believe such a review is timely, particularly considering cephalopods' impressive learning and memory abilities, rich behavioral repertoire, and the relative complexity of their nervous systems and sensory capabilities. Indeed, in some cephalopods, these abilities are so sophisticated that they are comparable to those of some higher vertebrates. Following the criteria and framework outlined for the identification of hallmarks of consciousness in non-mammalian species, here we propose that cephalopods - particularly the octopus - provide a unique test case among invertebrates for examining the properties and conditions that, at the very least, afford a basal faculty of consciousness. These include, among others: (i) discriminatory and anticipatory behaviors indicating a strong link between perception and memory recall; (ii) the presence of neural substrates representing functional analogs of thalamus and cortex; (iii) the neurophysiological dynamics resembling the functional signatures of conscious states in mammals. We highlight the current lack of evidence as well as potentially informative areas that warrant further investigation to support the view expressed here. Finally, we identify future research directions for the study of consciousness in these tantalizing animals.

24 páginas, 4 tablas.-- Graziano Fiorito ... et al.-- This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and the source are credited., Cephalopods have been utilised in neuroscience research for more than 100 years particularly because of their phenotypic plasticity, complex and centralised nervous system, tractability for studies of learning and cellular mechanisms of memory (e.g. long-term potentiation) and anatomical features facilitating physiological studies (e.g. squid giant axon and synapse). On 1 January 2013, research using any of the about 700 extant species of “live cephalopods” became regulated within the European Union by Directive 2010/63/EU on the “Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes”, giving cephalopods the same EU legal protection as previously afforded only to vertebrates. The Directive has a number of implications, particularly for neuroscience research. These include: (1) projects will need justification, authorisation from local competent authorities, and be subject to review including a harm-benefit assessment and adherence to the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Refinement and Reduction). (2) To support project evaluation and compliance with the new EU law, guidelines specific to cephalopods will need to be developed, covering capture, transport, handling, housing, care, maintenance, health monitoring, humane anaesthesia, analgesia and euthanasia. (3) Objective criteria need to be developed to identify signs of pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm particularly in the context of their induction by an experimental procedure. Despite diversity of views existing on some of these topics, this paper reviews the above topics and describes the approaches being taken by the cephalopod research community (represented by the authorship) to produce “guidelines” and the potential contribution of neuroscience research to cephalopod welfare, D.M. has been supported by POR Campania FSE 2007–2013, Project MODO-Model Organism.

It is only in recent decades that subjective experience - or consciousness - has become a legitimate object of scientific inquiry. As such, it represents perhaps the greatest challenge facing neuroscience today. Subsumed within this challenge is the study of subjective experience in non-human animals: a particularly difficult endeavor that becomes even more so, as one crosses the great evolutionary divide between vertebrate and invertebrate phyla. Here, we explore the possibility of consciousness in one group of invertebrates: cephalopod molluscs. We believe such a review is timely, particularly considering cephalopods' impressive learning and memory abilities, rich behavioral repertoire, and the relative complexity of their nervous systems and sensory capabilities. Indeed, in some cephalopods, these abilities are so sophisticated that they are comparable to those of some higher vertebrates. Following the criteria and framework outlined for the identification of hallmarks of consciousness in non-mammalian species, here we propose that cephalopods - particularly the octopus - provide a unique test case among invertebrates for examining the properties and conditions that, at the very least, afford a basal faculty of consciousness. These include, among others: (i) discriminatory and anticipatory behaviors indicating a strong link between perception and memory recall; (ii) the presence of neural substrates representing functional analogs of thalamus and cortex; (iii) the neurophysiological dynamics resembling the functional signatures of conscious states in mammals. We highlight the current lack of evidence as well as potentially informative areas that warrant further investigation to support the view expressed here. Finally, we identify future research directions for the study of consciousness in these tantalizing animals., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Ponte, Chiandetti, Edelman, Imperadore, Pieroni and Fiorito.)